Method and system for ordering customized cosmetic contact lenses

ABSTRACT

A method of configuring and ordering a customized contact lens for a user. The method includes the steps of displaying a template eye image to assist the user in visualizing selected options for a customized contact lens, and displaying a plurality of contact lens selection options to the user. The information includes a plurality of selectable lens colors and lens design patterns. The method also includes the steps of sending an ordering request to order a contact lens incorporating lens colors and lens design patterns selected by the user, receiving the ordering request, and manufacturing a contact lens incorporating the lens colors and lens design patterns selected by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to contact lens fabrication. Inparticular, the invention relates to an automated method and system forproviding customized cosmetic contact lenses to users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Colored cosmetic contact lenses blend, enhance, or mask the coloredportion of the wearer's iris to change the visible color of the eye.Such lenses have become widely accepted fashion accessories, and areeven worn by users who do not require prescription correction of theirvision. In fact, such lenses may be used to add detail to clothingoutfits and other fashions such as Halloween costumes.

Contact lenses recently have been manufactured with improved pattern andcolor integration that greatly enhances the realism of the resultingcolored iris. For example, subtle color differences may be implementedin multiple, superimposed pattern layers on the lens. This gives theiris the illusion of depth of color and improved integration with thewearer's natural eye colors.

While improved technology has resulted in more realistic colors inlenses, there has been an increased demand for a wider variety ofcolored contact lenses to more accurately reflect the mood, personalityor individual tastes of the wearer. This is reflected in the increasedpopularity of “Tattoo” styled lenses that include printed images on theiris portion. For example, some tattoo lenses have included aninscription such as the text “2000” annularly printed on the irisportion of a lens. Other such lenses have included even opaque irisportions that mask out a portion of the iris so that the pupil of theeye appears to have a vertical ellipsoid shape to suggest the iris of acat.

Thus, users of prescription contact lenses—or colored-lens wearers whodesire more unique and tailored fashion accessories—would benefit fromthe ability to easily customize cosmetic or corrective contact lenses tosuit the individual's tastes. Furthermore, the ability to customizecontact lenses may provide a wider market for potential colored contactlens wearers who are unsatisfied with the color options presentlyavailable.

Typically, a contact lens must fit the size and shape of the user's eyeprecisely in order for the lens to be safe to wear. Because of this,contact lenses are typically manufactured in a wide array of sizes andcorrective prescriptions to accommodate a majority of wearers. Forexample, the main parameters for selecting a contact lens for a userincludes the lens diameter, the base curve of the lens and thecorrective prescription. The corrective prescription can include otherparameters, such as the amount of corrective magnification to compensatefor myopic or hyperopic vision, the degree of correction needed forastigmatism, the presence or absence of bifocal or trifocal areas, orvision-correcting tinting. Other options, as mentioned above, includeiris colorization patterns or other forms of tinting for cosmetic use orconvenience in handling. Consequently, the large number of permutationsand combinations of these features requires a lens-care practitioner tokeep a large inventory of lenses on hand. The least-used lenspermutation combinations are likely to remain unused within thisinventory.

Similarly, while a wide range of cosmetic color and pattern combinationsare available in pre-made packages of contact lenses, the colors andpatterns may not be ideally suited for a particular wearer. For example,the skin color, hair color, and iris color of a particular user mayappear most cosmetically appealing when accentuated by colored contactlenses having a particular color shade. While multiple shades of colorsare available in pre-made stock lenses, the user may be required tosettle for a close match of the desired shade instead of an ideal shadeif the ideal shade lies somewhere between available successive shadegradients. Moreover, corrective prescriptions such as correctivemagnification are available only in stepped increments. For example,magnification is usually available in increments of + or −0.25 diopter.A patient requiring correction of −2.35 diopter would need to choosebetween the inexact correction of either a −2.25 and −2.50 diopter lens.

While the advent of the Internet and its many implemented softwareroutines have greatly increased consumers' ability to purchase lensesfrom a wider variety of manufacturers, lens wearers' choices are stillrestricted by the limitations of pre-manufactured lenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method and system of the present invention allows users toefficiently order uniquely made customized contact lenses. The methodand system may be completely or partially automated, or implemented on aweb server and client environment on the Internet.

The invention preferably utilizes customized template images showing theshape, color and surrounding features of a user's actual eye so that theuser's selected lens parameters may be reviewed accurately before anorder is placed. The template eye images are preferably obtained byphotographic means or by scanning the patient's eyes. Furthermore,required parameters, such as corrective prescription, lens diameter andbase curve of the lens may be obtained automatically from a confidentialdatabase or through communications with an approved optometrist or eyecare provider. These parameters may be incorporated into the template.

The user's selected lens parameters include an available palette of irispatterns for use in overlapping, layered arrangements. Other parametersinclude a wide array of colors for use with or without the patterns. Theuser may also preferably incorporate computer images or other imageinformation into a customized lens iris area. The user may preview howthe lens will look on the wearer's eye after each selection compare allselections at one time, or compare the natural eye colors and constructan arrangement that suits the wearer's needs, both cosmetically andmedically.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of configuring acustomized contact lens for a user is provided. The method includes thesteps of displaying a template eye image to assist the user invisualizing selected options for a customized contact lens anddisplaying a plurality of contact lens selection options to the user.The information includes a plurality of selectable lens colors and lensdesign patterns. The method also includes the step of sending anordering request to order a contact lens. In another embodiment, thelens may incorporate lens colors and lens design patterns selected bythe user, and the method further may include the steps of receiving theordering request and manufacturing a contact lens incorporating theselected lens colors and lens design patterns.

In another aspect of the present invention, the method may include thesteps of providing a choice of sample eyes for selection by the user asa modeling template, selecting one or more sample eyes as a templateeye, selecting a pre-configured pattern for superposition onto a portionof the template eye, selecting one or more colors from a pallete ofcolors for superposition onto coloring of the selected pattern, andadjusting the pattern and colors to generate an image of a contact lensin accordance with the user's selections.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method may be providedthat includes the steps of displaying a template eye, allowing the userto modify the appearance of the eye, and deriving a contact lens patternthat, when worn, modifies the appearance of an eye according to theintentions of the user.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of configuringa customized contact lens for a user is provided wherein the user islinked to a computer network interface. The method includes the steps ofproviding a plurality of sample eye templates for selection by the uservia the computer network interface, receiving a request from the userindicating selection of at least one of the eye templates, providing theuser with a plurality of available colors for incorporation into aportion of the selected template, receiving a request from the userindicating selection of at least one of the colors, and providing theuser with an image of the selected eye template incorporating at leastone selected color. After receiving a request from the user to order atleast one contact lens made in accordance with the image and thetemplate, the method forwards information relating to the image forfabrication of a contact lens made in accordance with the image and thetemplate.

The method may also provide recommendations of suitable or cosmeticallyattractive content lenses to the user in accordance with the person'sfacial characteristics or estimated cosmetic effect of the lens.

The invention may also be embodied in a system for configuring acustomized contact lens for a user. The system includes means fordisplaying a template eye image to assist the user in visualizingselected options for a customized contact lens, and means for displayinga plurality of contact lens selection options to the user on thedisplay. Preferably, this information includes a plurality of selectablelens parameters. Means for sending a request to order a contact lensincorporating lens characteristics selected by the user are alsoincluded, together with means for receiving the ordering request andmeans for manufacturing a contact lens incorporating the characteristicsselected by the user.

The invention may further be embodied in a system including an imageinput device for obtaining a graphical template eye image from the user,and a graphical user display in communication with the device forvisualizing the template eye image. The user display preferably displaysone or more selectable lens characteristics in conjunction with thetemplate eye image. A user interface is linked to the display forselecting one or more of the selectable lens characteristics fordisplay, and a server in communication with the user interface is alsoprovided. The server receives selections of the lens characteristicsfrom the user interface and incorporates selected ones of the lenscharacteristics into a modified template eye image. A databaseaccessible by the server containing information relating to the user andthe available selectable lens characteristics is provided, along with afabrication system in communication with the server for receivinginformation relating to the modified template eye image andmanufacturing a contact lens based on the information.

As described in more detail herein, the invention includes theimplementation incorporating World Wide Web—enabled search facilitatorsto assist users in compiling and utilizing widely available informationfrom the Internet. Such implementations include intelligent agents, botsand other user assistants.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for trackingconsumer preferences for contact lenses. The method includes the stepsof monitoring the activity of at least one customer, and predicting thefuture purchasing behavior of consumers based on such activity.Intelligent agents or mobile software bots may be employed to trackthese customer preferences.

In another aspect of the invention, a method may be provided of using anintelligent agent to purchase a contact lens over a computer network.The intelligent agent may perform one or more tasks, including receivingone or more requirements related to a contact lens, searching a computernetwork for one or more sources of a contact lenses which satisfies oneor more of the consumer's requirements, and presenting the results of asearch to the consumer.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided ofperforming a computer-based online purchase of a contact lens. In thismethod, a client's computer issues a request and at least one servercomputer serves the request. Preferably, an intelligent agent performsthe steps of searching the computer network for a contact lens having aset of specifications relating to the request, searching for additionalcontact lenses having that set of specifications, comparing the pricesof contact lenses found in the searches, and informing the clientcomputer of the contact lenses available and the associated prices foundin the searches.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of informing a customer orpotential customer of contact lenses of the availability of a desiredlens is provided. The method includes the steps of monitoring the website activity of the customer, and sending a message to the customerwhen the customer views a web site that relates to contact lenses.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of using an intelligentagent to identify fashion trends is provided. The method includes thesteps of searching one or more computer networks and identifying newproducts for sale on the network. The intelligent agent then recognizesnew product trends based on the identifications made and presents thesetrends to a user.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of employing an intelligentagent to recommend a cosmetic contact lens is provided. The methodincludes the steps of assessing data relating to a person's facialcharacteristics and accessing a file including information relating totypes of cosmetic contact lenses. Then, the person's facialcharacteristics are incorporated into a recommendation for a cosmeticcontact lens, and a recommendation is made to the person.

Advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description of the preferredembodiments of the invention which have been shown and described by wayof illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherand different embodiments, and its details are capable of modificationsin various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a contact lens having a dotted color pattern similarto that shown in the prior art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art color pattern overlay for a contact lensfor an inner iris portion;

FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art color pattern overlay for a contact lensfor an outer iris portion;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is systematic diagram illustrating a portion of an embodiment ofthe present invention at a client location;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a first embodiment of an eye template asutilized in the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a second embodiment of an eye template asutilized in the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing an overview of selection routinesutilized in embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a routine that enables a method of orderinga customized contact lens in accordance with present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a routine for selecting an eye template asutilized in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a routine for selecting pattern overlaysfor contact lenses;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a routine for selecting color options forthe pattern overlays of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the environmentthat may be utilized by a “bot” program that may be implemented into thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION I.Cosmetic Contact Lens Configurations

A. Printed Patterns

The present invention relates to the ordering and manufacture ofprescription contact lenses. Contact lenses made in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the invention disclosed may be manufactured asshown in Knapp U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,402, which is incorporated herein byreference. The '402 patent discloses prior art colored hydrophiliccontact lenses.

As shown in FIG. 1, a prior art contact lens 110 includes a non-opaquepupil section 120 in the center of the lens 110. An annular iris section121 surrounds the pupil section 20. For most hydrophilic contact lenses,a peripheral rim section 122 surrounds the iris section 121. In coloredcontact lenses, a colored, opaque, intermittent pattern is printed onthe iris section 121, as shown. The non-opaque or clear areas of theiris section 121 appear white in FIG. 1. The single-layered patternelements shown in the prior art of preferably overlapping dots areprinted onto the contact lens 110. The density and sizes of the dotsvary depending on their location relative to border areas such as theiris area 121 or the peripheral rim section 122.

B. Overlapping Patterns

While the above patterns shown in FIG. 1 have been used on coloredcontact lenses that appear to change the visible color of the wearer'siris, a more natural-looking and cosmetically acceptable iris colorresults when the lens incorporates multiple layers of irregular printedpatterns having varying or contrasting color shades. The combination ofthese pattern overlays results in a coloring effect having depth, whichis closer to the natural look of the human iris.

An exemplary description of the multiple patterns and colors that may bearranged in overlapping fashion to produce a more realistic lens isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,477 to Jahnke and owned by theWesley-Jessen Corp., which is the assignee of the present application.The disclosure of the '477 patent is incorporated by reference into thepresent application. FIGS. 2 and 3 herein, which are taken from theprior art '477 patent, illustrate these overlapping patterns. As shownin FIG. 2, a first pattern element having a first shaded color ispreferably located on the inner portion of the iris section 221. Ajagged border is located on the annular portion in the outside of thepattern elements 210 and comprises spiked portions 224, valley portions225 as shown. The pattern elements of FIG. 2 may be overlapped so thatthe center of the pattern element 310 is aligned over the center 323 ofthe pattern element 210 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the annularregion 330 of the pattern element 310 contains a jagged border portion.Preferably, the pattern element 310 of FIG. 3 is colored a different orcontrasting shade from that of the pattern element 210 of FIG. 2. Whenthe two pattern elements are overlapped in this fashion, a depth ofcolor and realism is achieved.

II. Custom Lens Ordering System Configuration

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the method andsystem of a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.4, a client 420 and a server 430 operate via a communications network440. The communications network may be a land-based telephone network, aconventional LAN network environment or the Internet. The client 420preferably includes a user interface 450 located at the client location452. In the preferred embodiments, the server 430 is located remotelyfrom the client location 452. Preferably, the server 430 is in turnpreferably linked via a communications link 440 a to a prescriptionverification server 454.

Preferably, the server 430 is linked via the communications network 440to a manufacturing facility 456. Thus, the server 430, the manufacturingserver 456 and the prescription verification server 454 may be locatedremotely from each other or at the same location. Preferably, themanufacturing location 460 includes server 456. Customized contactlenses fabricated to the client's specifications may be produced at themanufacturer location 460 as shown. Using conventional delivery methods480, the finished customized lenses may then be delivered back to theclient location.

Thus, in the preferred embodiments of the system 400 of the presentinvention, a user 410 at the client location 452 may specify customizedcontact lens parameters by using a user interface 450 to selectcustomization parameters for client 420 via the processing server 430.The processing server 430 checks various databases to verify client anduser information and checks the prescription verification server 454.Once the proper approval verification is obtained by the server 430, theorder for the customized contact lenses is sent via the networkconnection 440 b to the manufacturing server 456 at the manufacturerlocation 460. The lenses are fabricated at the location 460, and thefinished customized lenses are delivered back to the client location452.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of system components preferably present at theclient location 452 of FIG. 4 in an embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 5, a user 510 may use a plurality of user interface meansto provide an active rendering of the customized contact lenses desiredbefore committing the lenses for fabrication. A primary user interface520 is preferably provided that includes a client system terminal 530linked to a visual display 532. The client 530 preferably comprises apersonal computer such as a Microsoft Windows-based PC having a localhard drive, microprocessor, and resident memory capacity. Of course,those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of terminalsmay be utilized for the client 530, such as Windows NT®-based terminals,UNIX-based terminals, or Apple Macintosh® systems. Palm®-based handheldcomputers, or handheld computers running other operating systems, may beparticularly useful in conjunction with the client 530 or for use as theclient 530. The visual display 532 may be a conventional CRT videomonitor, preferably with the capacity to show a wide range of accuratecolors at high-resolution. Such monitors are also well-known in the art.

Preferably, the client 530 includes a network interface link 534 toprovide a connection to the Internet, local Internet service provider, alocal area network, or other connection link to the processing server430. Exemplary network connections 534, which are in turn linked to thenetwork 440 as shown in FIG. 4, may be land-based telephone lines thatprovide links to the Internet. Other links may include T1, T3, ISDN orother links to Internet or network service providers. Note that otherlinks may be provided for wireless connection to Internet serviceproviders or for shorter links between the client and a handheldterminal.

The user 510 may input text or select menu items by operating one ormore user input devices for the client 530, such as a keyboard 536 ormouse 538. Other input devices, such as touchpads, touchscreens ornumeric keypads may also be utilized. It is important to note that theuser 510 may be a doctor, optometrist, clinician or service technicianwho is trained to operate the client 530 for a patient 540. In thepresent embodiment, the patient 540 is the subject that will wear thecustomized contact lenses made in accordance with the present invention.Of course, another embodiments, the patient 540 may operate the client530 on his or her own, thereby becoming the same person as the user 510shown in the diagram.

In the preferred embodiments, the user 510 and the patient 540 may viewthe customized contact lenses as various parameters for the lenses areselected via the display 532. To provide a more realistic andcosmetically accurate representation of the customized lenses to theuser 510 in the patient 540, the system 400 preferably utilizes an eye“template” that can show the patient 540 and user 510 how the contactlenses will look in the particular patient's eyes. Examples of such eyetemplates are shown in the drawings of FIGS. 6 and 7.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a photographic template image 600 of the eye 610of the patient 540 is shown. Preferably, the image 600 appears on theuser display 532 or other display means. The eye 610 in the image 600clearly shows the iris portion 620 and the colored areas 630 of acolored contact lens in place over the iris portion 620. Note that theeyelid 640, eyelashes 642, eyebrows 644, lower lid 646, white eyeportions 648 and the surrounding facial skin tones 649 are visible onthe image 600. These other visible portions of the eyes' surroundingfeatures may prove important to the user 510 and the patient 540 whenselecting the parameters for a cosmetically pleasing customized contactlens. In the alternative, the complete face of the patient 540 may beshown, and the user interface may allow the patient to manipulate makeupfeatures such as lipstick, blush, eyeliner, etc. This allows the patientto see the selected lenses in varying facial environments.

FIG. 7 shows an additional embodiment of a photographic template image700 of both eyes 610 and 610 a of the patient 540. Note that in thepresent image 700, more of the patient's skin 749 surrounding the eyesis visible, including a greater portion of the nose 741 and botheyebrows 744. The image 700 used for the template is preferred, so thatthe patient 540 and the user 510 may view a more accurate rendition ofthe effect that the various colors of the contact lenses 730 will haveon the overall appearance of the patient's face.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the various template images shown in FIGS. 6and 7 may be obtained through a variety of image interface options. Forexample, to obtain the most accurate image of the eye area of thepatient 540, a clinician or user can scan the patient's eye using anopthalmoscope connected to a digital camera 550. The camera 550 can be astandard digital still camera, videocamera or other standard cameraimaging apparatus. Standard and widely available software such as AdobePhotoshop®, Adobe Illustrator®, Sigma Scanpro®, Media Cybernetics ImagePro®, UTHSCA Image Tool®, or other software, for example, could be usedto present the resulting image to the patient and user nearlyinstantaneously on the display 532 where alteration or enhancement ofthe patient's iris would take place. In the alternative, a scanner 560may be linked to the client 530 to scan images of the patient 540 fromphotographs or other fixed images. In a further alternative, the client530 may retain a database of sample eye templates. The user 510 and thepatient 540 may thus scroll through sample images on the display 532 andselect a template image that is suitable for the patient 540, eitherthrough closeness of the selected image to the patient's own eyes, or byselecting the eyes of celebrities, etc. As is known in the art, otherimage acquiring means or methods may be utilized to provide a templateimage to the client 530.

FIG. 8 is the block diagram that illustrates an additional embodiment ofthe system of the present invention. In particular, the figure shows aserver 830 and a client 852 preferably located at different locations.Preferably, the client 852 and other clients (not shown) are connectedvia communications links 40 to the Internet 842. The server 830 is inturn preferably linked via communications link 840(a) to the Internet842. Preferably, the server 830 can serve a plurality of clients via theInternet and the World Wide Web.

The server 830 preferably includes at least one processor 860 and aplurality of databases 862 resident on the server and in communicationwith the processor 860. The databases include a customer database 864, amanufacturer database 866, a security and verification database 868, animage storage database 870, an inventory database 872 and a plurality ofstored Web pages 874. Preferably, the server processor 860 receivesrequests in HTTP format for Web pages stored within the server 830. TheWeb pages are used to graphically present to the user 510 at the client852 the various selection options, images, and ordering information usedin carrying out the method of the present invention. The customerdatabase 864 includes information specific to various users or patients.This information can include previous order information, prescriptionverification information, credit card or insurance information, andinformation relating to the patient's cosmetic characteristics andpreferences. Of course, other information may be retained within thisdatabase to provide more convenient service for recognized customers orusers on the system. The manufacturer database 866 includes informationrelating to various manufacturers of the customized contact lenses,including their inventory, production capabilities, and otherinformation relevant to carrying out customized lens orders receivedfrom the client. The security and verification database 868 storesrecognized user information such as passwords and usernames. Preferably,this information is linked to the customer database and associated withtable items therein. The image database 870 includes stored images andpatient eye templates for use in conjunction with interactive lenscreation or selection. The inventory database 872 contains informationrelated to lens availability in particular inventory facilities.

The client system 852 preferably includes a processor 880 which runsbrowser software such as Netscape Communicator® or Microsoft® InternetExplorer®. As noted previously in conjunction with the description ofFIG. 5, the client 852 includes a local storage system in communicationwith the processor 880 for storing user interface software 882. Clientidentifier information 884, identification information for variouspatients and information identifying the particular client server 852may be stored on the system. In present embodiment, therefore, theserver 830 can communicate with the client 852 via the Internet 842 andcommunications links 840(a) and 840 using the client identifierinformation 884 so that the server 830 can identify the source ofcommunications from the particular client 852. Furthermore, the server830 can also identify and keep track of the ordering process with theclient 852 via this identification information.

III. The Selection of Customizable Lens Characteristics

FIGS. 9 through 13 are flow diagrams of routines that enable theselection and ordering of customized contact lenses for users inaccordance with the present invention. When selecting the variouscustomizable options for contact lenses, the user may, in general,follow at least three separate selection paths. When choosing whichparticular selection paths to follow, the user may evaluate skills suchas whether lenses have been previously ordered using the method herein,whether the user is familiar with user interfaces or other computerenvironments, or simply whether the user has a particular contact lensconfiguration in mind when placing the order.

In the routines discussed below, in a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the various integrated images are provided by the databasesresiding on the remote server. Preferably, the integrated and previewedimages that are generated by the routines discussed herein are displayedin the form of Web pages sent via the Internet to the client reviewingthem on the visual display 532.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the general selection paths 910which may be taken by the user during the lens parameter selectionprocesses described further below. At the juncture of every majorselection of parameters in the preferred method, the user may eitherchoose from a simple list of selections in step 920, proceed with aninteractive suggestion routine to provide a more customized approach instep 930, or scroll through a plurality of pre-configured sample imagesincorporated into the user's eye template in step 940. In step 920, theuser may simply choose from a presented selection of color, pattern orother lens parameter options. These options may or may not be presentedalong with images of these options. If the user decides to select suchoptions, step 920 incorporates them into the user's template eye so thatthe user can view an image of the lens with the chosen option on thewearer's eye. Thus, the various presented options, as integrated intothe template image, may be displayed to the user for evaluation. Theinteractive process of step 930 utilizes the various qualitiesassociated with the user's template image (such as skin color, eyebrowand eyelash color, eye shadow color, hair color, lipstick color, blushcolor and natural iris color) to suggest intelligently the best color orpattern options. As will be described in more detail below, thesesuggestions may be based on stored associations, intelligent softwareroutines or intelligent search agents implemented to search informationon the Internet. In the alternative, the options may be integrated intothe templates and presented to the user in a scrolled fashion so thatthe user may select the desired parameter in step 940.

A. Ordering Method and Processing Routines

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of the customizedcontact lens ordering method of the present invention. The diagramillustrates an overall routine that may be implemented in softwarerunning on the server 430 or the client 420 as illustrated previously inFIG. 4. As noted above, the method or routine is preferably performed bya user working with the patient at the client location. At the clientlocation 452, the client system 420 preferably communicates with theprocessing server 430 via the Internet. At step 1002, the routine checksresident databases either at the server or the client to determinewhether it recognizes the user and/or the patient from previous ordersor registered account information. In step 1004, if the user isrecognized by the server 430, the appropriate patient profile isretrieved for use in assisting the client and patient with the order. Ifthe profile of the patient is not available, or if the patient is a newuser, a subroutine may be executed to create a new user profile for thepatient. Preferably, the patient profile selected in step 1004 willinclude sizing and corrective prescription parameters that are necessaryfor the proper, medically safe fitting of the resulting contact lens.These prescription parameters may include options such as lensmagnification, the presence or absence of astigmatism correction, thelens diameter, and the base curve of the lens.

In step 1006, the template eye is selected by the patient. The patientcan select either photographic template eye images or provide scannedimages of the patient's own eyes in accordance with the system describedin conjunction with FIG. 5 above. In step 1008, the patient may choosethe desired iris pattern layers for each contact lens that is positionedover the eye template selected in step 1006. Preferably, as each patternis selected in step 1008, the pattern is automatically adjusted to fitthe template and is shown to the user integrated with the template eyeso that an accurate rendition of the patient's eyes wearing the contactlenses may be reviewed as options are selected. In step 1010, the usermay choose one or more colors to integrate into the pattern chosen instep 1008. The colors may be presented in the form of a palette, colorpatches, or as pre-colored patterns presented to the user for selection.As with the previous steps, after the image and color are properlyadjusted for fit and realism of rendition, the user and the patient canreview the selected colors integrated with the chosen patterns from step1008 on the patient's template eye. Finally, in step 1012, theuser/patient may choose other options for the customized contact lenses.These options include color intensity, corrective prescription changes,tinting, or even the selection of pre-designed images for integrationinto the iris area of the contact lens. In step 1014, the user may viewthe final configuration of the lens on the template eye including all ofthe parameters selected for the template in previous steps 1006 through1012. The user may further view other options, such as comparing variousalternative options with the final configuration, or comparing the finalconfiguration to the natural eye color of the user as shown in thetemplate eye. It's important to note that the presently described methodsteps need not necessarily occur in the described order. For example,particular color patterns may be chosen before or after other lensoptions, and viewing of lens configurations may be made at any time.

In step 1016, the user is asked to confirm the approval of the order toqueue the lenses for ordering and fabrication. At this time, the usermay be prompted to enter payment information and the quantity of lensesto be ordered. This information previously may have been entered inconnection with previously created user profiles. If the order is notconfirmed at step 1016, the user may be brought back to the start of theselection routine at step 1006 and given the opportunity to change anyof the selected parameters to the user's or patient's liking. If theorder is approved by the user, the routine determines in step 1018whether prescription approval is necessary to process the order.Prescription approval would be necessary if, for example, a new userorders a lens with a corrective prescription, the user's prescriptionhas changed, or if any prescription-related parameter has been changedsince the last prescription approval was performed. If in step 1018 theroutine determines that prescription approval is necessary, prescriptionapproval is obtained in step 1020. If the user and patient are at thesame location, and the user is a certified optometrist orophthalmologist, the user himself can approve the order immediately.Otherwise, prescription approval may be obtained by sending for approvalby telephone or message to the certified optometrist or ophthalmologistlisted in the patient's user profile. If the prescription approval wasdenied in step 1022, other attempts to obtain prescription approval maybe undertaken in step 1020. Such steps can include revising the order,conferring with the physician, or setting up an appointment forconsultation with the physician. If approval has been obtained at step1022, or if prescription approval is not deemed necessary at step 1018of the routine, the completed user's order for contact lenses is sent tothe manufacturer in step 1030. In the alternative, the order may be sentto a peer for further approval and tracking, or to any number of otherintermediate entities, such as a marketing or consumer tracking service.Furthermore, instead of sending the lens order to a manufacturer, theorder may instead be sent to a clearing house, inventory service or lensordering service which can process the order and interface with avariety of manufacturers or suppliers to obtain the necessary product.

In FIG. 11, a flow diagram is shown illustrating a routine thatprocesses the selection of the eye template for use in the embodiment ofthe present invention. This routine is shown in the overall method ofFIG. 10 in step 1006. In step 1102, the user chooses the method by whichthe eye template is selected. As described above, a variety of methodsmay be chosen, such as directly scanning and digitized in the image ofthe patient's eyes at step 1104, choosing the template high from apalette of sample eyes at step 1106, choosing from a selection ofcelebrity eyes at step 1108, or scanning and digitizing a photograph orother pre-printed image of an eyes at step 1110. Once the method ofchoosing a template eye is selected, the user selects the particulartemplate eyes in step 1112. Once the particular template eyes areselected, the routine adjusts the size, shape and other features of theeyes, particularly with respect to the enhancements and accuracy of theiris portion. In this way, the pattern and color overlays which will beintegrated into the image will be shown as accurate representations ofthe way the finished contact lenses will look while being worn by thepatient. In step 1116, the adjusted template images are presented to theuser, preferably via the visual display 532. In step 1118, the user isprompted to approve the eye template image that has been selected. Ifthe user does not approve the image, the routine repeats. If the userapproves of the eye template image, the routine ceases at step 1120.

B. Routines for Facilitating the Selection of Customization Lens Options

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of the routine that processes the selection ofpattern options by the user in a preferred embodiment of the invention.The routine may be utilized in conjunction with the flow diagram of FIG.10 described above. When selecting patterns for the user's customizedcontact lens, the user may proceed in at least three separate ways asnoted above in FIG. 9. First, the user may view individual patternsapplied incrementally to the user's eye template in step 1202. In step1204, the user is presented with the pattern options or a palette ofavailable colorization patterns. In step 1206, the user selects one ofthe patterns that are presented. In step 1208, the routine displays theselected pattern from step 1206 integrated onto the image of the user'seye template. In step 1210, the user is prompted as to whether to addanother pattern overlay to the eye template. If the user chooses to doso, the image selected in step 1206 is integrated into the templateimage in step 1212. Thus, subsequent overlay patterns chosen from theselection made at 1204 will be integrated with previously selectedpatterns on the eye template. Once the user determines that furtherpattern overlays are not desired at step 1210, the routine displays thefinal refreshed image of the user's eye template before stopping theroutine at step 1216.

C. Intelligent Selection of Customizable Lens Options

1. The Use of Intelligent Routines

In the alternative, the user may request that the pattern options beselected via interactive suggestions provided by the routine beginningwith the choice of the selection method at step 1218: In step 1220, theroutine reads the various qualities of the user's eye template. Thesequalities may, for example, include skin color, true iris color andeyebrow colors. In step in 1222, the analyzed qualities of the eyetemplate are matched with records in the database residing at theserver. Suggestions for cosmetically appealing pattern variations arethen made and shown on the visual display integrated with the eyetemplate in step 1224. Preferably, the suggestions are made inaccordance with cosmetically appealing options in light of the facialcharacteristics for “an estimated cosmetic effect” of the best or mostcosmetically acceptable contact lens on the person or the eye template.In step 1226, the user may then decide whether or not to select thesuggested pattern or combination of patterns. If the user does not wishto use the selected pattern, another suggestion is chosen at step 1228.If the user does select the suggested pattern at step 1226, the user maybe prompted in step 1230 to indicate completion of the selectionprocess. If not completed, further suggestions may be made in step 1228after the selected pattern is integrated into the eye template in step1232. Once the user determines that the pattern selection is complete instep 1230, the routine stops at step 1216.

Finally, the user may choose to simply scroll through a selection ofrandom or complete pattern overlay combinations that have been found byintelligent agents, surveys or other information to be the most popularor cosmetically appealing combinations in step 1240. In step 1242, theuser views the various preconfigured combinations and makes a selectionat step 1244. The combination is selected in step 1244, and the routineends at step 1216. In the alternative, as shown in box 1260, the usermay manually draw via a freehand or object-oriented drafting interface,his or her own lens pattern for superposition onto a cosmetic contactlens. The user may view the sample image generated from the pattern instep 1262 and chose to select the pattern in step 1264.

It is important to note that in all of the previous embodiments, theuser may also modify the eye template by using a variety of manualmodification techniques with the aid of a mouse, lightpen, or otherdevice. Manual modification methods include selecting a color anddrawing on the template. Commercial computer programs offer a widevariety of drawing tools, some of which are designed to simulate a pen,pencil, airbrush, highlights, dotted lines, and erasures. AdobePhotoshop also offers the user the ability to create a custom pallet ofbrushstrokes that include adjustable diameter, hardness, spacing, andsplatter patterns. Colors can also be customized by specifying and RGBor CMYK values, or by clicking on a color space.

Manual modifications may also be performed with the addition of patternsthat are provided by the system, such as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 discussed previously. For example, the user may wish start byincorporating an inner starburst (FIG. 2) into the template eye,selecting and incorporating a color for the inner starburst, followed bythe modification of the middle section of the eye using a computerbrushstroke technique, followed by the addition of a dark outer zonesuch as in FIG. 3. The user may then wish to add finishing touches toany part of the eye before sending an order for her custom contact lens.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a routine that processes the selection ofvarious color options for the selected patterns chosen in the routine ofFIG. 12. Preferably, this routine may be utilized in the embodiment ofthe present invention shown above in FIG. 10. In the alternative, theselection of colors may be made in conjunction with the selection ofpatterns or within the same routine as shown above in FIG. 12. In step1302, the user may choose to select color options from a palette ofcolors. The user begins in step 1304 by selecting the chosen patternoverlay layer to which the color selection will apply. For example, theuser may specify that the color selection will apply to an inner-ringpattern for an iris such as that shown in the pattern of FIG. 2 above.Once the applicable pattern layer is chosen, the user may view thepalette of colors in step 1306. In step 1308, the user may select theparticular desired color from the palette. Once the color is selected,the routine displays the selected color integrated with the eye templatein step 1310. If the user is satisfied with his selection, but wishes tocontinue choosing colors for other layers in the template, the user maychoose to proceed to the next layer or pattern overlay in step 1312. Instep 1314, the chosen color for the previously selected pattern layer isadded to the template. The user may then select another pattern layer instep 1304 and continue cycling through the routine. If the user issatisfied with the color selections and does not choose to proceed toanother layer in step 1312, the routine displays the refreshed templateimage in step 1316, thus displaying the eye template image with a fullyintegrated set of pattern layers having selected colors. The routinethen ceases at step 1318.

The user may select in step 1320 the option of following interactive, orintelligent suggestions for color combinations for the previouslyselected pattern overlays. In step 1322, the routine analyzes thepreviously chosen pattern overlays in conjunction with the various colorfeatures and qualities present in the eye template. This analysissimilar to the analysis undertaken in step 1220 in FIG. 12 above. Usingthese readings, the routine consults databases residing in the server instep 1324 to determine one or more suggested color combinations that theuser may view in step 1326 and select in step 1328. As discussed above,the suggested lens color combinations preferably are based on theestimated cosmetic effect of the lens on the eye template, or variousother facial features. If the user wishes to proceed through furthersuggestions, the routine will scroll through succeeding suggestions instep 1330. Once a suggestion is selected for coloring the patternoverlays, the routine may cease in step 1318. As a further alternative,the user may choose in step 1340 to simply scroll through popularcolorization options which may be pre-chosen to be cosmeticallyacceptable when combined with previously selected pattern overlaycombinations. In step 1342, the user may view the various pre-selectedoptions, and the user may select options in step 1344. In step 1346,succeeding options may be selected for display. In the alternative, instep 1360, the user may manually create his or her own color for thechosen patterns by utilizing an RGB user interface control panel toreadily mix colors for various multicolored palettes. In step 1362, theuser may view the various created color options on the selected patternoverlay combinations, and the user may select further options in step1362. After the selection is made, the routine may stop in step 1318.The selection of other options for the customized contact lenses asshown by step 1012 in FIG. 10 may be made in similar fashion to theselection routines as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 12and 13.

2. The Use of Internet-Based Information

The information used by the above routines is not restricted toinformation residing on the server. Information on the Internet, inparticular the Web, may be searched by the preferred embodiments tosupplement the database set(s) residing on the server of the preferredsystem.

One method of searching for information on the Internet involves the useof publically available search tools, or proprietary Web sites. Of thepublicly available Internet search engines, those with the highestprofile include AltaVista (www.altavista.digital.com), Lycos(www.lycos.com), Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) and Infoseek (www.infoseek.com).In these systems, keywords are typed in by the user and through varioussearch tools and databases and analyze the results for information thatmay prove useful. When a user performs an Internet search using aparticular tool, the query is actually made against the index that thetool has built and maintained over time. Most indexes record only asmall portion of the information found in the actual Internet site. Somesearch tools limit themselves to information contained in the site'sfirst page. Others will only index words appearing in the firstparagraph. Still others record only the titles of major sections.

Given the increasing amount and complexity of information on theInternet, coupled with the increasing value of such information, theneed to automate the searching of and analysis of recovered Internetinformation has been recognized and can be used to assist in theimplementation of Internet search capabilities with the preferredembodiments herein. One solution to this problem is the employment ofuser interface intelligent computer agents that can simplify andautomate the exploitation of the Internet by Internet interrogationprocesses and the translating of information on the Internet fromcomputer-readable to human-readable format. These types of programs aregiven names such as robots, wanders, spiders or crawlers. They act as“automated browsers,” requesting and archiving data for later use,either by the server routines of the preferred embodiments herein or bythe user directly.

3. Intelligent Agents and Bots

Intelligent agents, or bots (short for “robots”), have the capability toautomatically scan the Internet on a continuous basis for newinformation, enabling users to specify the types of information theywish to follow on an ongoing basis. As shown in FIG. 14, a bot programelement or module 1402 may reside at a client base 1404. From the client1404, the bot 1402 can scan the internet 1450 or other clients 1460,1470, databases or servers 1480 and return to the client 1404 to reportor collect its found data. The intelligent agent can monitor events inreal-time and notifies the user when something has happened that matchestheir submitted pre-established criteria. Most of the major Internetsearch tools now offer some intelligent agent capabilities.

The intelligent agent exhibits aspects of the mind (e.g., intelligence)in performing its tasks, and acts independently on behalf of its owner.Agents are viewed as autonomous—they can make decisions while workingtoward a goal. Ultimately, agent technology will help individuals andcorporations cope with information complexity. For example, agents aresuited to the administrative tasks associated with a large network, suchas collecting hardware and software inventories, distributing softwareand selectively taking backups. Agents can also find information andapplications, shop for the best price on a product, and orchestrateevents (e.g., order flowers or deliver a message).

Agents come in different types and varying capabilities. One method ofclassification is their “sense of agency.” Weak agency impliescapabilities such as autonomy, socialization (communication with otheragents), reactivity (events, stimulation), proactivity andprogrammability. Strong agency, more closely aligned with traditionalartificial intelligence (AI), includes the characteristics mentionedabove plus more “mental/humanistic” qualities, such as knowledge,beliefs, intentions and even emotions.

Web robots are normally stationary programs that operate from a specificmachine. For example, in the preferred embodiments above, in FIG. 4, canreside on the server 430, or server 830 in FIG. 8. These robots connectto remote Web sites in the network and constantly search forinformation. While these programs can be directed to a list of one ormore sites, often they “crawl” through the network instead. For example,a robot may begin at an explicitly defined site and download a server'sdefault (HTML) page. From there, the “bot” proceeds automatically byexamining the first document. The robot then discovers links to otherpages and sites (i.e., URLs) and then downloads more pages. Moresophisticated intelligent agents have the capability of traveling frommachine to machine, returning to the machine that requires thepresentation of what the bot has accomplished.

Web robots perform several tasks when acting as agents. They can index,format and archive information gathered from the network, search forobsolete pages and sites or gather statistics about the network itself.The information can then be used by a client or server-based program andpresented to the user.

Agents that are mobile may in some instances be more advantageous thanstationary agents. Mobile agents have the following benefits:

-   -   1. Process Closer to Resources: This reduces network traffic and        improves throughput. Rather than sorting a large database        through the network, for example, the search could be conducted        locally.    -   2. Minimizes the Damage of Network Outages: Once an agent        reached a location it could work for extended periods of time,        unaffected by network disturbances around it.    -   3. Workload Distribution: Since agents are programs,        distributing them in a controlled manner helps balance the        overall workload.    -   4. Software Distribution: Agents can deliver software upgrades        via the network.

4. Marketing and Commerce Implementations of Intelligent Agents

In order to secure a transaction, bots may require currency and theauthorization to spend money. There are several methods for bots tohandle this requirement. One method is for bots to have secure“e-wallets,” containing virtual money, that will be carried by bots. Thedigital currency is used to complete customers' purchases. Informationabout digital cash and electronic wallets may be found at(www.ewallet.com).

In conjunction with the presently described embodiments, a user whofrequently purchases contact lenses on the Internet may utilize digitalcash accounts and electronic wallets such as those described above topurchase contact lenses. In the embodiments described herein, thesedigital accounts may be automatically debited or supplied with rebatesor discounts automatically depending on various frequent purchasingconfigurations, promotionals or other advertising initiatives.

5. Preventing Intelligent Agent Overreaching

Autonomous, intelligent agents may cause several problems on a network.Web servers can be overwhelmed by aggressive robots, where each robotfires requests in rapid succession. To help control robot behavior, aset of voluntary design guidelines has been established, with thefollowing four primary directives:

1. Show Identification: Robots can be identified by specific HTTPrequest headers sent to the server (From, Referer, User-Agent).

2. Reduce Resource Consumption at Server: Use techniques like limitingthe amount and type of data requested, or pacing the requests.

3. Report Errors: Errors encountered by the robot, including dead-endlinks, should be reported to the site's webmaster.

4. Conform to the Standard for Robot Exclusion (SRE): The essentialfunction of SRE is to protect a Web server by restricting access to allor part of its files. The SRE protocol requires support of both therobot author and a site's webmaster.

SRE works as follows. First, the site administrator creates a set ofdefinitions and places them in a file available to incoming robots. Whena robot accesses a site, it first must download and decode that file.The definitions are interpreted sequentially, essentially declaringwhich robot or robots are restricted and not allowed to access specificdirectories at the site.

The desire for security and privacy can lead to markets for “trust.”This function addresses the needs of both buyers and sellers ofservices. One dimension of privacy issues is economic in nature; in thatsome consumers can “sell” their data to vendors and “infomediaries” inexchange for services or goods, while others who desire more privacy canelect to have limited participation in the market.

b. Agent and Bot Development Languages

The development language for implementing intelligent agents and botsselected must be widely supported, not only by general-purpose operatingsystems such as Unix or Windows NT, but by any device with amicroprocessor.

Two application-layer protocols are also chosen to enable mobility sothat agents can safely move from machine to machine. Associated withthis type of transfer protocol are other supplemental programming toenable, including network security—encryption, authentication and agentidentification. Several experimental or prototype agent languages havebeen developed, which fall into the category of Agent-OrientedProgramming (AOP). Under such regimes, agents are viewed essentially asobjects with specific enhancements, such as mobility, knowledge andawareness, and the ability to exchange messages. Several proposals for auniversal Agent Communication Language (ACL) have been put forward tostandardize messaging among mobile agents. The federally funded ARPAKnowledge Sharing Effort leads the way with two major standards designedto represent and share information—Knowledge Query and ManipulationLanguage (KQML) and Knowledge Interchange Format (KIF).

KQML allows each agent to represent a virtual view of its knowledge tothe outside world. The agents can then exchange messages and attempt toquery or alter each other's knowledge. The protocol defines operationsand the format of the messages exchanged between agents. KQML forms aconsistent interface between agents regardless of how each agent storesknowledge internally.

The Java language, created by Sun Microsystems, can be applied to thecreation of intelligent agents. Java can easily be extended to allow aprogrammer to “plug into” optional capabilities in each run-timeenvironment. Those creating Java-based agent technologies include FTPSoftware (Andover, Mass.), IBM and Stanford University. Java isobject-oriented, and is compiled into processor-independent byte codes.These programs, held in “class” files, can then be moved through thenetwork and interpreted at a target machine. Therefore, Java is firstcompiled and then interpreted. In addition to its mobility, Java offersbroad support. Java programs can be used not only in browsers but alsoas a processor-independent language (develop once, deploy anywhere) andas the basis for the “network computer,” that has been promoted andreleased by Oracle (Redwood Shores, Calif.), IBM and others.

An example of a functionally rich, commercially supported JAVA productis CyberAgent from FTP Software. CyberAgent allows Java agentapplications to be created through tools and additional classes, andthen to be selectively launched into the network.

C. Hardware and Software Tools for the Development of Bots

When designing an intelligent agent for a given range of applications,the following factors must be addressed:

-   -   Enabling the intelligent agent to interrogate and exchange        information to and from the website or target;    -   Cyber-negotiating capabilities to provide the agent with        negotiating mechanics and strategy;    -   The traveling of the agent from one website to another. A Meeley        or Moore state machine is one general solution to this problem;        and    -   Presentation of the results of the agent's activities to the        entity interested in receiving the results.

IBM alphaworks (www.alphaWorks.ibm.com) has made available two new Javatools in XML messaging and intelligent software for developerfeedback—SOAP for Java Q and ABLE. SOAP for Java Q XML-based messagingtechnology is linked with other Internet standards and ABLE provides aframework and graphical editor for constructing intelligent softwareagents in Java. The SOAP specification defines a simple,Internet-friendly method of using XML to send messages and to accessservices. With XML and SOAP, each business can choose its own internalimplementation technology, such as Enterprise JavaBeans, Microsoft'sComponent Object Model (COM), or traditional languages such as COBOL.

In addition to HTTP, SOAP services can be accessed through a variety ofmessage transports. For example, bindings could be defined to IBM'sMQseries, or to electronic mail messages (SMTP). SOAP datarepresentations and structures have been aligned with the proposed W3CXML Schema language, and it is now possible to apply those encodings ina much broader range of message patterns (e.g., streaming, one-way,multicast, etc). Using SOAP, any business can access a service, such asa parts catalog, or send a purchase order, to or from any otherbusiness. SOAP simplifies the binding of the programming language orobject system of the developer's choice. SOAP's built-in support forRemote Procedure Calls (RPC) also simplifies the use of methods onremote objects, using XML and HTTP, so developers can use SOAP to createdistributed systems within their own organizations.

Other agent development tools include: Network Query Language™ (NQL™),by AlphaServ.com, a development platform used for the creation ofintelligent agent software for network management and e-commerceapplications; INTEGRITY, enterprise intelligent software by ValityTechnology Inc. (www.vality.com), allows companies to analyze, match andreconcile data and transform it into a strategic information asset;SST-Resource Availability Version 3.3, by SOFTWORKS Inc. (Alexandria,Va.; www.softworks.com), proactively monitors storage resources acrossthe enterprise and provide customers with the means to maximize storageutilization and business application availability; BroadVisionOne-To-One, a software application system and management tools for rapiddevelopment and real-time operation of one-to-one relationshipmanagement applications for large user and content databases, hightransaction volumes, intelligent agent matching, and integration withexisting business systems; and NeuroStudio from Neuromedia Inc. (SanFrancisco, Calif.; www.neurostudios.com), a line of authoring tools andserver software that enables non-programmers to create automatedsoftware agents that mimic human service representatives over the Web.

D. Shop Bots

Shopping robots, called “shop bots,” are software agents used to searchthe Web for the lowest-priced products. Shop bots are currently used tofind the lowest-priced products on the Web. In addition to price,shopbots may also evaluate several factors, such as product features,warranty, delivery time and return policy, as well as the power tocomplete transactions automatically. Agents may also find the best buysfor users before they remember they need something. The Agent canautomatically order cyclical cosmetics, toiletries, drugs, or groceriesand have them delivered.

In addition, it is important to note that several auction sites are nowavailable for online shopping, including Priceline.com, Amazon.com,Ebay, Dealtime (www.dealtime.com), Bidder's edge (www.biddersedge.com)and Yahoo.com. These sites, and others, can be searched or viewed toprovide information relating to consumer demand, fashion trends oraftermarket sales activities.

From a presentation standpoint, the shopbot intelligent agent may alsodirect users to a site, or automatically produce a multimediapresentation that will strategically bundle the package of informationin an engaging way, and the online decision support tool will persuadethe person to buy.

E. Commercially Available Bots

Early attempts to create intelligent agents include Microsoft's“Firefly,” wherein users fill out a profile about their likes anddislikes. A Firefly-enabled online storefront can keep track of aperson's favorite authors, brands, birth date or anniversary. It mayeven know a person's favorite flower or perfume.

As an example, the intelligent agent technology in Movexe is designed tonot only collect but also to communicate information among channelpartners. A manufacturer, for example, can use the retailer's salesinformation to determine demand for some component of a retail product.Agents may also find the best buys for users before they remember theyneed something. The IA will automatically order cyclical cosmetics,toiletries, drugs, or groceries and have them delivered.

Continuous speech recognition, natural language understanding, problemsolving and animated personalities are further enhancements to thistechnology, and may routinely assist with finding information, answeringquestions, and conducting transactions. An example of a bot with speechrecognition capability is Artificial Life's Smartengine® technology,which gives the bots the capability of behaving intelligently andcommunicating with Internet users in natural language. Because the botwill learn what customers have already bought and where their interestslie, it can address them actively with a specific objective in mind andrecommend the ideal mobile telephone product.

Other popular shop bots include, for example, www.mysimon.com,Net-tissimo.com (www.net-tissimo.com), Universus by Geobot, Zegenie.com,Artificial Life Inc. (Alife.com), CyberAgent from FTP Software, AllaireCorporation's ColdFusion, and Net Perceptives Group Lens. Others mayoffer additional enhancements to the searching function. Intelligentagents are available in a continually increasing range of personalitychoices. Sapir's company uses bots with natural language comprehensiontechnology to carry on a limited but functional conversation between acustomer and the bot, represented on-screen as a character, or avatar,as it is referred to in the art. For example, Imp Character Technologyenables creation of characters who offer easy and natural interactionthrough conversation and animated gestures, active assistance and othersorts of expertise and the color, warmth and entertainment value ofdistinctive character personas. By offering these compelling functional,human and social qualities, Imp Characters build multifaceted two-wayrelationships between a company and its customers. In hopes of enhancingthe holiday online shopping experience, Extempo (www.extempo.com), acreator of interactive characters and intelligent agent technology,produces a variety of shopping characters, such as “Chat with Santa,” aSanta Claus character for e-commerce Web sites.

F. Applications

In the context of the present embodiments, it is desirable for thepresent system and method to track customer attitudes, preferences andbehavior, in both a static and dynamic sense. It is also important todetermine what influences consumers and their cosmetic lens choices, andto what extent.

One efficient way to use pull technology to gather information onprospective clients involves the use of specialized databases. Searchinga variety of databases often leads to the discovery of some “commonground” between the sales person and the prospect. For example, if asalesperson has knowledge of or personal contacts with the members ofcertain charitable boards, this can be all that is needed to establish ahigher level of credibility. In addition, having detailed backgrounddata prior to an initial meeting with a prospective client makes apositive first impression and sets the salesperson apart fromcompetitors who arrive with minimal knowledge and expect the client tobring them up to speed.

A virtual customer consultant is another potential application ofintelligent agents. Bots can be integrated into existing Internet shopsand advise customer and buyers on products, actively offering productsin various Web shops. When necessary, the virtual customer consultantwill pass the customer on to a live operator who then continues thesales discussion without interruption.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the method and systemof the present invention may be utilized in environments other than theInternet. For example, the method may be implemented in conjunction witha local wireless radio network using handheld mobile units or computingdevices. Other communication methods such as point-to-point connections,local area networks, wide area networks or combinations thereof may beused to implement the invention. Furthermore, the method can also beutilized in conjunction with electronic mail systems where in the ordersand image templates may be sent back and forth between the user and aserver. Note also that the server system 430 may include a combinationof hardware and software to assist in providing interactive feedback forgenerating orders in response to requests from clients. In addition,other more traditional modalities may be used to implement or supplementthe method herein, such as mail, telephone orders, magazine ads, andrebates.

Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes andmodifications can be made to the preferred embodiments described above.For example, the method steps described above can occur in a differentorder than those disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting,and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including allequivalents, which are intended to define the scope of this invention.

1-53. (canceled)
 54. A method of using an intelligent agent to identifyfashion trends to a user, said method comprising the steps of: searchingone or more computer networks; identifying new products for sale on saidnetwork; recognizing new product trends based on said identification;and presenting the trends to a user.
 55. The method of claim 54 whereinthe intelligent agent searches for purchasing activity data; recognizestrends in the purchasing activity data; and presents the trends to auser.
 56. The method of claim 54 wherein the trends are sent tocustomers of contact lenses as a service by a seller of contact lenses.57. A method of employing an intelligent agent to recommend a cosmeticcontact lens to a person, said method comprising the steps of: assessingdata relating to the person's facial characteristics; accessing a filecomprising information relating to types of cosmetic lenses;incorporating the person's facial characteristics into a recommendationfor a cosmetic contact lens; and recommending a contact lens to matchthe person's facial characteristics.
 58. The method of claim 57 whereinthe recommended contact lens substantially changes the color of theperson's eyes.
 59. The method of claim 57 wherein the recommendedcontact lens enhances the color of the person's eye's.
 60. The method ofclaim 58 wherein the data as to the person's facial characteristics isan image of the person.
 61. The method of claim 60 wherein the facialcharacteristics are selected from a list comprising hair color, skintone, make-up, beard color, eyebrow color, eyebrow thickness, eyelashcolor, and eyelash thickness.
 62. The method of claim 57 wherein theclothes of the person wandering a particular season are assessed andincorporated into the recommendation.
 63. The method of claim 57 whereinweather or season is assessed and incorporated into the recommendation.64-68. (canceled)